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"There's So Much at Stake": Sexual Minority Youth Discuss Dating Violence

NCJ Number
240372
Journal
Violence Against Women Volume: 18 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2012 Pages: 725-745
Author(s)
Tameka L. Gillum; Gloria DiFulvio
Date Published
July 2012
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This study explored perceptions of dating violence among a sample of sexual minority youth.
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of dating violence among a sample of sexual minority youth. Focus groups were conducted as part of a larger study that surveyed 109 sexual minority youth between the ages of 18 and 24 years. Participants identified four main themes contributing to dating violence among same-sex couples: homophobia (societal and internalized); negotiating socially prescribed gender roles; assumed female connection; and other relationship issues. Such information is essential for determining the need for and content of dating violence services, including education, safety planning, and referrals for mental and physical health services for sexual minority youth. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.